EPA Climate Change Programs in New England

EPA Targets Climate Change in New England

The New England office of the Environmental Protection Agency for many years has promoted efforts to reduce the greenhouse emissions gases in New England and to educate the public about climate change. The office works to encourage cleaner transportation and energy supplies, and supports state climate efforts and other organizations with similar aims. Programs in New England have successfully helped companies, schools, towns and cities and non profit groups to reduce their energy consumption and overall emissions. EPA’s New England office is also working to reduce the environmental footprint of its own buildings and operations.

The Energy Team  – EPA New England’s Energy Team focuses on energy’s impact on air quality, public health and climate change. The small group of EPA staff guides energy-related policies and programs that encourage energy efficiency, clean and renewable power and environmentally friendly transportation options.   

EPA New England’s Diesel Program  – Pollution from diesel engines significantly contributes to air pollution, especially in urban areas. EPA New England is working to advance cleaner diesel engines, promote pollution control technology, prevent unnecessary idling and ultimately, end diesel pollution. You can take a number of actions to reduce diesel emissions as well.

EPA’s New England Regional Laboratory in Chelmsford, Mass – EPA New England’s laboratory shows how EPA leads by example. The 66,000-square-foot building that services New England incorporates energy efficient heating and cooling systems, active solar power and lighting, recycled materials, environmentally friendly landscaping, improved indoor air quality measures and it uses wind power to meet its electricity needs.

Green Team – In 2002, a group of employees of EPA New England’s Green Team began looking at environmental improvements that could be made in EPA New England buildings and operations. The team has looked at how the regional office lights its buildings, the cars employees drive on the job and the waste generated in the building. The Green Team is finding ways for EPA New England to “walk the talk."

Greening EPA’s Fleet – EPA New England has been acquiring fuel efficient and hybrid vehicles for its vehicle fleet. The addition of hybrid vehicles has increased the average fuel efficiency rating of the Boston fleet to 30.1 miles per gallon.

Car free transportation – This EPA New England web page provides information to help you get around New England on bikes, buses, boats, ride-sharing, subways and trains. Whether you are a resident or just planning on visiting New England this web site offers great links to car-free transportation alternatives including; bike paths, buses, ferry services, ride-sharing, subways, trains, and trolleys.